Physical Therapy for Scoliosis, Scheuermann's Kyphosis, and other more common orthopedic diagnoses

Hi! I'm Jennie Maynard. I've been a physical therapist for 37 years, I worked in the Wellness Center of St. Joseph Mercy, Chelsea (formerly Chelsea Community Hospital) in Chelsea, Michigan for the 25 years before I opened my Dexter, Michigan clinic in May of 2015.. Although I have treated patients with a variety of common orthopedic diagnoses during my career, I have focused on developing new skills to treat adolescent idiopathic and adult degenerative scoliosis during the past few years. In 2009, I was first trained to teach "Schroth" scoliosis-specific exercises for both Scoliosis and Scheuermann's Kyphosis patients at the Asklepios Katharina Schroth Klinik in Bad Sobernheim, Germany. In 2014, I received additional professional training from Beth Janssen at Scoliosis Rehab, Inc. in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Beth is an instructor with the Barcelona Scoliosis Physiotherapy School, which was founded by Manuel Rigo, M.D., PhD., world-renown professor and physician at the E. Salva Institute for Rehabilitation of Spinal Deformities in Barcelona, Spain.

Why visit ScoliOasis, LLC? ﻿

One hour appointments for all patients, up to 3 hour appointments when intensive treatment is indicated

A clinic where all treatment is provided by a physical therapist

Includes scoliosis-specific AND other skilled orthopedic physical therapy services (such as manual therapy and limited modalities)

﻿﻿﻿What is Scoliosis?﻿By definition, scoliosis "is a three-dimensional structural deformity with a primary Cobb angle of 10 or more degrees". Researchers agree that mostcases of adolescent-onset scoliosis have a genetic predisposition. Adult-onset scoliosis is thought to be related to degenerative changes in spinal structures.There is still a lot of discussion and ongoing research regarding what specifically triggers the onset of scoliosis.

What is the "Schroth Method"?Schroth treatment for Scoliosis and Scheuermann's Kyphosis was first developed by Katharina Schroth in Germany, almost 100 years ago. This method of management includes exercises and extensive education regarding each respective condition. The exercises are prescribed by a Schroth-certified physical therapist after a careful clinical evaluation and review of an XRay (CD or film) has been completed. These exercises do not take the place of a brace for an adolescent with a high risk of curve progression, but are rather an adjunct treatment to maximize the benefit of a comprehensive treatment approach. They are, however, often a primary intervention when a patient has reached physical maturity, although adults with severe symptoms or joint instability will likely require additional medical treatment before Schroth exercises are appropriate. Who are appropriate candidates for Schroth treatment? Generally girls >10 years and boys >12 years with primary curves<60 degrees, and most adults, are appropriate candidates.What are the goals of a commitment to Schroth exercises?

To prevent or decelerate the progression of scoliosis, and, in some cases, to improve the curvature

To improve flexibility, mobility, and stability of muscles and/or joints where it is needed

To increase lung function, and to decrease pressure on other organs in larger curves